Temperature Falls are an Oslo, Norway-based duo who have featured a couple of times before on our blog, having featured in Jane’s round up of Nordic artists, and underground indie rock. She even interviewed them around this time last year too. Now it’s my turn to check them out thanks to their recently released album Protagonist.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Ian J Ward
Though based in Norway, Temperature Falls have a UK connection as well. Alongside lyricist and vocalist Camilla is Liverpool-born Ian J. Ward, who is a multi-instrumentalist. The pair’s musical style is best described as genre-defying, with a foundation of alternative rock that is playfully experimented with to create something that feels unique.
Protagonist opens with previously released single Apology, a brooding, bass heavy opening gambit with gentle but driving percussion and emotive vocals. It’s a beautiful scene-setter for what’s to come. The single came complete with a video that you can check out below.
From there we move into Hide. The drum and bass continue to lead, creating a hypnotic effect in which the dreamy vocals swim. Please Don’t Go takes things in a little more chill direction without losing any of the emotion. Heady and glitchy electronic layers create a wonderful sense of texture.
Run Away brings with it a sense of urgency and some alternative pop sensibilities before Reach rounds off the first half of the album. It feels like an emotion low point, with dark, industrial musical textures and pleading vocals and lyrics.
The second half starts with I Am Different, a bright and experimental piece of maximalism. It’s a highlight. Lab Rat brings ethereal vocals and earthy percussion before Fight plays with light and shadow to create a dramatic sense of conflict. Moment of Loneliness is light and contemplative before we reach the album’s final chapter Survivor. It ends things on a hopeful note, with playful electronica mingling with pacy percussion and uplifting lyrics. It’s another highlight.
Protagonist is a fantastic collection from a duo who are unapologetically forging their own path in the world of music. One of the things Temperature Falls pride themselves on is pushing their own boundaries with each new release, and it certainly feels like they’ve done that here. This album experiments without losing cohesion and its strong sense of emotion feels relatable on every level.
You can check out the whole of Protagonist below.
